Safety and Security
Members of the University Police are here 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to provide a safe and secure living, learning and working environment for the students, staff, faculty and guests of the university. They are sworn law enforcement officers and are available to assist with any and all safety concerns on campus. Even with full time police on campus, safety and security violations compromise and jeopardize the safety of other members of the campus community. Such violations include, but are not limited to: pulled fire alarms, tampering with fire safety equipment (including smoke detectors), failing to evacuate during a fire alarm and providing false identification. Bentley is not responsible for the loss, theft and/or destruction of student property, including motor vehicles. Therefore, students should have personal property insurance to cover loss of valuables from possible theft, flood and fire. Students should check their or their parents’ or guardians’ homeowners’ insurance policy to see if personal property at the university is covered. FIRE SAFETY VIOLATIONS A false alarm is extremely dangerous as it may cause other students to ignore an actual fire. Tampering with fire alarms, extinguishers or other fire equipment is a violation of Massachusetts state law and can endanger the lives of fellow students as equally as setting a fire. Anyone causing a fire, activating an alarm unnecessarily or misusing or disabling any fire equipment may be expelled from Bentley University and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Fire alarms caused by careless cooking and/or dirty ovens are avoidable and therefore violators will be referred to the CONDUCT SYSTEM, with penalties ranging up to suspension from university housing.
Fire Alarms
In the event of a fire alarm, touch your door with the back of your hand to feel if it is hot and look underneath for any smoke seeping in. If it is safe to evacuate, leave the building immediately by way of the nearest exit. Staff members are not always around to assist with evacuation. Any student who does not leave a building when an alarm sounds is subject to severe disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Fire Drills
Fire drills are conducted to familiarize everyone with the sound of the alarms. Use the emergency exits to evacuate the building safely. These drills are conducted in every building once each semester at various days and times. Remember, failure to evacuate when the alarm sounds is punishable by university disciplinary action (see FIRE ALARMS above). Members of the Residential Center staff and University Police will tour the buildings during a fire drill and report those who do not evacuate.
Each student must have a valid Bentley ID card on his or her person at all times and show this card to university personnel upon request. University Police takes ID pictures and produces photo ID cards. Students, faculty and staff can possess only one ID card at a time. In the event that a “lost” card is found, you should destroy the old ID card by cutting it in half. The ID pictures are taken Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the University Police Station. During non-business hours University Police staff are available to issue free temporary cards that will allow you building access until the Card Office is next open at which time you will need to return the temporary card and purchase a new Bentley ID. There is a $5 charge for the first lost card. Second and third replacement cards cost $10 and all others $25. Worn out or damaged IDs are replaced without charge. You must bring your damaged card with you when a replacement is made. ID cards are used for access into all locked buildings on campus, including the residence halls. University Police maintains records of access granted to all buildings. Transferring ID cards from student to student or from student to non-student is a violation of campus policy and subject to disciplinary action. This includes transferring IDs in order to gain access to dining services, the fitness center, or for any other reason.
False Id/Forgery
Forgery is prohibited and against the law. This includes altering or misusing university documents or records (including all software and computer databases) and personal identification (i.e., possession of an altered driver’s license or one that belongs to someone else), as well as deliberate misrepresentation of facts that could adversely affect the mission of the university
Registering Your Vehicle Registration takes place through MYBENTLEY > Personal Information. The decal issued to you is renewable until you graduate and is available through an online process for a fee. Each eligible student and faculty/staff vehicle must display a parking decal. A vehicle may display only one (1) parking decal at a time. If a second decal is issued, the first must be removed. There is a nonrefundable fee for the semester in which the decal was issued. Every semester the decal and fee automatically renew upon registering for your academic classes. This will occur every semester until you have taken the appropriate steps to void the decal. The hours and location of registration will be posted at the beginning of each academic year. When applying for a decal, you are required to have with you a driver’s license, motor vehicle registration and Bentley ID card. All vehicles parking on Bentley property must be validly registered and properly insured. For further details regarding decal registration and associated fees, please visit the PARKING & DRIVING page.
Pedestrian Crosswalks
All drivers are reminded that pedestrians have the right of way at a crosswalk. This is a state law.
Parking
Vehicles can only be parked in lined parking spaces. Resident students are only allowed to park in residential lots. First-year resident students are not allowed to park their motor vehicles on campus. Violations of this rule will result in the immediate towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense. All students repeatedly violating the parking policies are subject to action that may include loss of parking privileges. Repeat freshman offenders may face loss of parking privileges for their sophomore year. If no residential parking spots are available, University Police will designate an overflow lot. All motor vehicles must be out of the designated area by 8:00 a.m. Overnight parking is NOT allowed except in residential lots. Please refer to a campus map for lot designations. Only motor vehicles displaying a current and proper decal are permitted to park on campus. Parking is assigned and regulated by University Police. A student bringing an unregistered vehicle onto campus will be subject to action, loss of parking privileges and/or ticketing and towing. In case of an emergency or extraordinary circumstances, freshmen may request permission for a one-day pass from the University Police dispatcher. Short-term parking (one week or less) may be requested from University Police.
Speed Limit
The speed limit on campus is 20 miles per hour. All drivers are expected to adhere to the speed limit. Violators may be stopped by University Police and issued a ticket. Please note that there are speed bumps at various locations on campus to reduce speeding.
Parking Fines
Parking tickets are attached to a vehicle or handed to the driver. A second copy of the ticket is filed at the University Police Station. Violators have five (5) business days either to pay the ticket or appeal. All parking fines must be paid in full by all members of the Bentley community unless dismissed via the appeal process.
Appeal
To appeal a ticket you must first submit a written appeal within 5 business days of the citation issuance date. You can submit a written appeal by visiting the TICKETS & CITATIONS page and submitting the online written appeal form. All members of the community who believe their initial written appeal has been denied in error may request a STUDENT APPEAL BOARD HEARING. All outcomes of the hearing are final and may not be contested. Requests for a student appeal board hearing will not be accepted unless a written appeal has first been submitted.
Towing
Vehicles may be towed for the following reasons: n Failure to display a current Bentley parking decal or valid pass. n Parking in a manner that interferes with the movement of emergency vehicles or endangers life or property of others. n Illegally parking in a fire zone, tow zone or handicapped zone. n Other violations of the parking policy. The policy is available at the University Police Station. It is the responsibility of the owner and/or operator of the towed vehicle to pay the towing & storing charges. Towing charges are generally in excess of $100/tow.
Violations
Any student who violates state, local or university policies regarding motor vehicle violations will be subject to action and/or ticketing and towing. These include, but are not limited to, freshman parking, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving under the influence (will also be subject to arrest), transporting alcohol by a minor and speeding. All students who repeatedly violate parking policies will be referred to the CONDUCT SYSTEM in addition to ticketing and towing. Penalties may include the loss of parking privileges.
The Posting Policy is designed to allow the Bentley University community to post materials on campus in a manner that is consistent with the mission and the values of the university.
*Poster policy is subject to change. Please check BentleySPEak.com for the most updated version of the policy.
Poster Content
A. The name of the sponsoring organization or individual, event name, date, time, location, and other event details must appear clearly on all materials to be posted. If the organization is a pending student organization seeking recognition by SGA, the poster must clearly indicate “Pending Organization.”
B. All materials that do not name the sponsoring organization or individual (i.e. teasers) must register with Student Programs & Engagement.
C. All events sponsored by student organizations that are funded by the Student Activity Fee, must clearly state on all materials “Funded in part by the Student Activity Fee.”
D. All materials must contain accurate spelling, grammar, and event information before being approved. E. Any reference to the availability of alcohol at an event must be consistent with the Alcohol & Other Drug Policy found in the Student Handbook. Explicitly, this means that items for posting:
1. Must contain language that states alcohol service will be provided only to individuals who are 21 or old and have valid ID. Bentley University Student Organization Guidebook | 38
2. Must not state or imply that alcohol is the major focus of the program. (Exceptions to this policy will be made for programs educating the community on alcohol use or abuse.)
3. Cannot contain terms or phrases, such as “Happy Hour,” “Open Bar,” “Bar Trips,” “All you can drink” or any other similar term or phrase.
4. Must not state or imply the quantity of alcohol that will be available at the event.
F. Materials found in violation of the anti-discrimination policy may not be approved. Final discretionary judgment will rest with Student Programs & Engagement and/or the Residential Center.
G. The Assistant Director, Student Programs & Engagement, must approve any non-paper material prior to posting.
Poster Approval
A. All posters, flyers, and banners to be hung on campus must be approved and stamped by a staff member in Student Programs & Engagement (for the Student Center and other non-residential buildings) or the Residential Center (residence halls).
B. For “professionally produced posters” there will be an electronic version of the Campus Posting Policy approval stamp to be incorporated in the design of the poster. Otherwise, the poster must be stamped individually if not professionally preprinted. You may apply for this use of the electronic approval stamp by contacting Student Programs & Engagement (GA_SPE@bentley.edu) or by visiting the Business Center.
How to Post
A. Student organizations or individuals may post an unlimited number of small, approved posters, flyers, sandwich boards, tarps or banners on the campus per event, activity or candidate for student office.
B. Approved tarps, posters, flyers, banners, should be posted for no longer than 2 (two) weeks. Special arrangements may be made with the Assistant Director, Student Programs & Engagement.
C. Blue painter’s tape is the only tape usable on all surfaces deemed appropriate for posting. Duct tape may be used only on outdoor brick. D. Glue (aerosol or other), scotch tape, and any permanent adhesives are not to be used to post anywhere on campus property.
E. Approved materials must be secured well to disallow any possibility of loose ends blowing in the wind, causing damage or endangering others. F. Screens may not be removed to post any approved materials.
Where to Post
A. All approved materials must be placed on brick surfaces or bulletin boards.
B. Approved posters, flyers and banners can be posted on the Student Center’s exterior.
C. Approved posters, flyers and banners can be posted on the exterior of Residence halls only within 5 feet of the Residence Hall entrances.
D. Buildings with exterior covered porches can have approved posters, flyers and banners posted under the porch roof (this includes inside of porch columns but not outside arch walls).
E. Chalk is allowed to be placed on sidewalks only.
F. Decorative balloons may be used on campus inside certain buildings, but the ribbon and balloons must be removed the following day.
G. After Registering, tarps are allowed to be posted on Quad walls, the outside brick wall of the west staircase of Smith in Lot #14, and the outside brick wall between Lindsay Hall, Smith Academic Technology Center in Lot #14.
H. Exception to painted surfaces restriction: Approved posters, flyers, and banners may be posted on painted concrete block in the residence halls.
I. All table tent advertisements do not need to be stamped for distribution in LaCava Lower Café or the Student Center 921 Dining Room. These table tents must be approved by the Office of Student Programs & Engagement. Bentley Dining manages the schedule for posting approved table tent advertisements.
Where Not to Post
A. Approved posters, flyers and banners cannot be posted on the exterior of Bentley University buildings (for exceptions, see B, C and D in “Where to Post”) or the pedestrian bridge.
B. Approved posters, flyers and banners cannot be taped or secured to glass, wallpaper, painted surfaces, screens, and fire exit doors.
C. Approved posters, flyers, and banners cannot be posted on the exterior or interior of the Bentley University Library.
D. Approved materials are not allowed to be placed on cars, under doors, on the ground (sidewalks, roadways, grass, etc.) or in any location that may cause a safety, fire or litter problem.
E. Approved materials are not allowed to be placed on the permanent Bentley University directional, entrance, electronic signs, lampposts, or traffic signs.
F. Approved materials must be placed over surfaces that are completely solid. They may not cover any doorways, archways, windows, peepholes, heaters, or air vents.
G. Messages made from using only tape (i.e. words spelled out using tape) are not allowed on any surface other than on a banner backing.
H. No portion of any approved posters, flyers and banners (including fastening materials) shall be higher than 20 feet above the ground. All materials to be posted above what one could reasonably reach by standing on the ground must be hung by Facilities. Facilities will hang items free of charge.
I. Approved materials may not be secured in any fashion to any of the trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers or other living landscapes on the campus due to the potential of damage to these items.
J. LaCava Executive Dining Room specifics: Approved materials hung from the balconies in the Upper Cafeteria must be secured using a soft rope to the railings ONLY.
K. LaCava Executive Dining Room specifics: Decorations may be placed on brick surfaces during events, hung in accordance with the “How to Post” section of this policy.
L. Any additional décor requests require a minimum 48 hour advance notice to Student Programs & Engagement (STU 330). M. Spray paint in any form is not allowed to be used on any indoor or outdoor surface.
Commercial Postings
A. Definition: any individual, group or company offering a product or service not directly funded or sponsored by a Bentley University department or student organization.
B. Postings are allowed only on bulletin boards with green signs that indicate for “All Postings”.
C. Posting for available rentals, roommates wanted, items for sale, trips and commercial advertisements will be restricted to bulletin boards intending for all postings on campus with the exception of commercial advertisements who are endorsed by a student organization. Items will not be stamped unless the name Bentley University Student Organization Guidebook | 40 of the contact person and their phone number from the sponsoring student organization endorsing them appear on the poster or flyer.
D. Failure to comply with the posting policy may result in either or both of the following:
1. Financial charges equivalent to (1) property damage and/or (2) a minimum of one hour of Physical Plant’s labor (for removal of illegally posted materials).
2. “Private property “trespass” charges.
Electronic Posting
Posters and flyers sent via electronic mail and/or posted on social media or other digital platforms must adhere to the University’s Posting Policy, Computer Ethics Policy.
Poster Removal
A. Sponsoring organizations and individuals are responsible for removing all postings within 2 (two) days after the event.
B. The sponsoring organization or individual must remove all damaged, unsecured or faded approved materials within 24 hours of notification by Student Programs & Engagement and/or the Residential Center.
Failure to Comply
A. Failure to comply with any of the guidelines may result in: (1) Loss of scheduling campus facility privileges for up to one semester. Final decisions regarding posting policy issues rest with the administrative staff of Student Programs & Engagement, and/or (2) loss of posting privileges on campus.
B. Any person or group in violation of the posting policy may be referred to University Conduct System.
Student organization hosted parties are an important part of campus life at Bentley University and offer the opportunity for members of the community to socialize and create authentic connections. Sponsoring organization members, organization advisors, Student Programs & Engagement staff, and University Police share in the responsibility to ensure that these activities are well planned, enjoyable, and safe. Any person, behavior, or action should reflect our community values. It is expected that all parties involved will give attention to the event planning process and agree to take all necessary steps before, during, and after an event to ensure its success.
Definition
A student organization “party” will be defined as events that do not have fixed seating and do not have a specific agenda, program, or schedule. They are typically hosted in a large open space (EDR, Pub, Back Bays, etc.) and have an open dance floor and DJ to play music. Events such as dinners, receptions, lectures, speakers, talent shows, and arts & cultural performances do not classify as parties. This policy is specific to recognized student organization hosted events and does not pertain to any parties taking place in university residence halls.
Tiered Levels
Bentley University has identified three tiers of parties that can be hosted on campus.
Tier 1 – Attended only by currently enrolled Bentley students
Tier 2 – Attended by currently enrolled Bentley students and a pre-determined list of non-Bentley guests
Tier 3 – Attended by currently enrolled Bentley students and open to the general public and guests not affiliated with Bentley
Scheduling
Tier 1 & 2 – There are no specific scheduling restrictions, but events must adhere to all additional student organization policies.
Tier 3 – Parties will have specific scheduling guidelines and criteria. Events in this category will be restricted to one party per month for all organizations total, and will be held exclusively on Fridays or Saturdays. Events may not be scheduled on days of special events or traditional weekends, such as Spring Day. Restricted dates are at the discretion of Student Programs & Engagement and University Police. All requests for tier 3 parties must be submitted to Student Programs & Engagement by the designated deadline in the previous semester (November 30th for spring dates and April 30th for fall dates). Any events submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Guests
All non-Bentley guests must be 18+ to attend a Bentley University party. Signage must be displayed at the event entrance stating this age requirement.
Tier 1 – N/A
Tier 2 – The student organization must compile a guest list containing names of all expected attendees, in a template provided by the Student Programs & Engagement office. All guests will be asked to complete a NonBentley Guest Agreement stating that they will adhere to Bentley rules and policies. Guest lists and signed Guest Agreements must be submitted to Student Programs & Engagement, as well as the CPB committee, at least 3 business days prior to the event. The guest list will be located at the entrance to the event. Guests must show a form of identification (college or government issued ID) to verify that they are on the guest list provided. Guests must be hosted by a Bentley student, or affiliated with an invited college or university student group. The number of guests per Bentley student will be at the discretion of CPB.
Tier 3 – All guests will need to show a form of government issued identification (state ID, license, passport, etc.) as well as sign a Non-Bentley Guest Agreement. College IDs will not be accepted as a form of ID. Guests will not have to be hosted by a Bentley student.
Security
All student organization events will have specific measures in place intended to maintain a secure, safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment. All safety measures will be coordinated in collaboration with the student event hosts, Student Programs & Engagement, and University Police. University Police will cover the cost of all reasonable security measures such as staffing and metal detectors.
Tier 1 & Tier 2 – Security staffing needs will be at the discretion of University Police based on the expected attendance and/or the presence of alcohol.
Tier 3 – Due to tier 3 parties being open to the general public, additional security measures will be required. University Police officers and/or RSIG security personnel will staff the event to ensure safety and security for all in attendance. Metal detector(s) will be required and in place for all attendees. Metal detector wands may be requested by the student organization, but approval is at the discretion of University Police.
Security Meeting
A security meeting will be required for some events and will serve as a final review of all event details with involved parties. This meeting is intended to review the event, confirm roles, expectations, and responsibilities. The security meeting will take place 30 minutes prior to the start of the event and doors cannot open until the meeting concludes. All students and staff working the event must attend the security meeting.
Tier 1 & Tier 2 – At the discretion of CPB Tier 3 – Required Alcohol Tier 1 & Tier 2 – Alcohol must be approved by Student Programs & Engagement
Tier 3 – Alcohol is not permitted
Cooperative Programming Board (CPB)
As is the case with all student organization events, all parties must submit a CPB application and meet with the committee if the event falls under the required criteria. Parties are not approved by Student Programs & Engagement until they have met with the committee.
Student Programs & Engagement
Student Programs & Engagement role is to advise the student organization in the planning and successful implementation of their events, work with the students to coordinate all aspects of the event, and serve as a resource for them.
Smoke Free Policy
Smoking (including cigarettes cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and any other smoke-producing tobacco products) by students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors, and contractors is prohibited on all properties owned or leased by campus, including (but not limited to): n All interior space on campus and property leased by the university. n All outside property or grounds on the university campus, including areas such as walkways, breezeways, patios, and parking lots; including all vehicles Bentley University - Student Handbook 2020-2021 60 n All outside property leased by the university. n All vehicles leased or owned by the university. n All indoor and outdoor athletic facilities. For more information, please visit the BENTLEY UNIVERSITY SMOKE FREE WEBSITE.
Appliances
All cooking appliances, except microwave ovens, are prohibited from residence hall rooms. This includes hotplates, hotpots, toaster ovens, rice cookers and any other appliances. Space heaters are not allowed. Offenders may face fines and other disciplinary sanctions.
Screen/Window Policy
Residents will be assessed a fine for every unauthorized screen removal. . Residents who are having problems with their screens are responsible for reporting the issue immediately to a residential staff member or via the work order system. Throwing or dropping objects out of the windows will result in a conduct violation and subsequent conduct hearing. Using windows as entrances or exits to residence halls is strictly prohibited and will result in action within the CONDUCT SYSTEM. Riser restrictors are installed in windows on ground floor units for student safety. Tampering with riser restrictor’s compromises student safety.
Balcony Policy
Balconies on the buildings are aesthetic only and were not built to accommodate people. Standing, sitting or storing anything on balconies is prohibited. Offenders of this policy are subject to action up to and including suspension and expulsion from the residence halls.
Bicycles/Motorcycles
Students should use bicycle racks or their rooms to store bikes. Do not leave bikes in the hallways or stairways as they present a fire safety hazard. It is against the law to obstruct fire exits in any way. Motorcycles are not allowed within any buildings and will be removed and stored at the owner’s expense.